The sun is expected to make a lasting return to the Coachella Valley Friday and through next week — a welcome change from the past few days of lower than normal temperatures, overcast skies, and Thursday's sudden dust storm, which weather experts dubbed a haboob.

The strong winds that accompanied the event are believed to have downed a tree that fell onto a pickup truck and a man, according to Palm Springs police.

The downed tree was reported at 4:53 p.m. at Marguerite Street and 34th Avenue near the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, according to the Palm Springs police Sgt. Mike Villegas.

"All of a sudden the wind just kind of picked up. There was a whole bunch of dust everywhere and the tree came down on the guy," he said.

"It was a crazy loud noise from the tree hitting the truck. It was nuts."

French, 25, said he left his house to help the man and ended up calling it in.

French said the man suffered a cut to his back where a branch caught him.

"Everyone in this neighborhood has been waiting for this tree to fall," French said. "But it's sad that it happened with this guy underneath."

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A downed tree engulfs a pickup truck in Palm Springs Thursday evening after strong winds and blowing dust, which meteorologists dubbed a haboob, blew through the valley. A man was hospitalized in this incident, but his injuries were considered non-life threatening officials said.(Photo: Dave Nyczepir/The Desert Sun)

There were other reports of damage across the valley, but there were no other reports of injuries, officials said.

The National Weather Service issued a blowing dust warning for the Coachella Valley that took effect about 20 minutes before the overall event, which weather experts were calling a haboob.

"I don't think there are specific criteria," said meteorologist Stephen Harrison of the storm. "Anytime there's a dust storm produced by a thunderstorm boundary being pushed out, where there's near-zero visibility, those dust storms are usually called haboobs."

The storm seemed to appear suddenly, and moved quickly from the east valley west toward Palm Springs, blanketing everything in its wake. The conditions were so intense that Palm Springs cancelled its weekly Thursday night street fair, VillageFest.

The weather service's notice also predicted wind gusts of 40 mph, especially along Interstate 10 and authorities warned of brown-out conditions and reduced visibility on Coachella Valley roadways. Drivers were urged to use caution.

In addition, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an "unhealthy" air quality advisory, which cautioned those with sensitive respiratory conditions — respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children — to avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion. Those affected were also advised to remain indoors.

Marion Champion, spokeswoman for IID, said there were isolated outages in Imperial Valley, in areas such as Brawley, Niland, and Salton City, but none in the Coachella Valley.

Earlier in the day, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory — which means there was a possibility of minor water overflows on streets and washes — for the Coachella Valley. It expired at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Initially, the National Weather Service warned that hail up to three-quarters-of-an-inch in diameter could fall, and people should prepare for accumulation of water on roads and low crossings.

And, while scattered showers did fall intermittently during the day, there was only a trace amount of accumulation.

, On Friday, the sun is expected to return, according to Harrison. The high in the valley will be around 100 degrees, he said, adding that it will remain sunny and warm through the weekend.

Similarly, AccuWeather predicts Friday will be mostly sunny with a high of 99 degrees.

Desert Sun reporters Blake Herzog and Ian James contributed to this story.